Appropriate Adult Service 2026

British Transport Police seeks the provision of an Appropriate Adult Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year as, defined by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) and its Code of Practice for juveniles aged 10-17 years where a parent or guardian is unable or unwilling to attend; as well as for vulnerable adults detained in police custody, A vulnerable adult is considered to be from the age of 18. The role of the Appropriate Adult in custody is to ensure the welfare of the vulnerable person (adult and juvenile) is maintained, that they understand all processes put to them and that all decisions they make in custody are in their best interests and with all the available information and understanding.

This is a requirement under Code C of PACE, and allows the AA to make representations, and speak on behalf of the vulnerable person on matters of welfare and understanding. Whilst it is required that an Appropriate Adult be present for all custody processes involving vulnerable persons.

If an Appropriate Adult is not readily available during booking in or when a Juvenile is first brought to a custody, a telephone service will be available to assist with the initial booking in process. An Appropriate Adult in these circumstances will provide guidance and welfare support (but will not include formal consultation).

In most cases the Appropriate Adult will be somebody related to the detained person such as a parent, adult, sibling, or a Social Worker with a responsibility for the ongoing welfare of the child. However, there are times when these people are unable, unwilling or unsuitable to function as an Appropriate Adult in custody and in these cases, police are required to call on another independent, responsible adult.